Press Check

When you talk to the printer, describe the problem in everyday language. Don't prescribe the solution. Say "Colours don't seem bright enough". Let the technicians worry how to make them brighter. Avoid requests such as "Bring up the magenta." Again, the printer knows colour and knows his equipment. Ask for recommendations if something doesn't look right to you.

Keep in mind that the press check is the most expensive proof you can get. They require producing plates, inking, make-ready and running the press.

Press Checklist

• Understand your purpose for being there.
• Check the paper stock. Make sure it's what you chose.
• This is not a field trip, so don’t wander.
• Check for any missing elements. Proof copy changes.
• Be patient. be gracious.
• Review process colour for any serious problems
• Take only authorized people.
• If your printer still uses film, check registration. Bring a loup. See if halftone dots are properly aligned.
• Talk only to authorized people.
• Check spot and process colours for look, density and consistency.
• Ask and suggest; don’t demand.
• Share responsibility.
• Look carefully at the type for blurriness.
• Accurate viewing means a 5000 K viewing booth.
• Check for glitches like holes in solids, specks on the sheet or broken type.
• Avoid staring at sheets for extended periods.
• Identify problem areas with a marker, then check with a loupe.
• Bring product samples for critical colour matching.
• Make sure make-ready was done properly.
• Don’t sign the first good sheet.
• Check all sides of the sheet.
• Check folds and finishing procedures.
• You sign it; you own it!.

Glitches

Check for scratches, hot spots or missing dots in four-colour photographs, illustrations or print areas.

Registration

If items look out of register or fuzzy, check the sides of the sheet for the printer's registration marks to see which colour is out of alignment. Check in more than one place to see if it's an isolated or general problem. Always look at the halftones. If a halftone is in registration, the look will have the classic rosetta shape.

Trapping Issues

If you see a heavy line where tow elements overlap, you're looking at film trapping that was built in during prepress. Have the pressman adjust the plate by moving it in the right direction. Check crossovers. Don't forget: if you adjust the colour on one side, you need to adjust it on the other for consistency.